Every year, the week of October 1-7 is recognized as 'World Breast Feeding Week' across Canada. On Monday evening Yorkton City Council members jumped on board in support of the initiative, declaring the week in Yorkton as well.
Support for breast feeding families is important says Carolee Zorn, Chair of the local BFI (Baby Friendly Initiative) Working Group, thus the need to raise awareness.
This years' theme is "Breastfeeding Support: Close to Mothers."
"Our working group will be launching our latest project on October 1 at the Yorkton Gallagher Centre," says Zorn. "Our project this year supports breast feeding families and their right to breast feed in public." As a part of the initiative, Zorn says the group has created life sized cut outs of mothers breast feeding their children and these will be placed in highly visible public areas throughout the region to raise awareness and support.
In Yorkton there is a breast feeding support drop in clinic held every Wednesday from 1 - 3 p.m. at the Yorkton Public Health office located at 150 Independent Street. For more info. call 786-0600. Breast Pump rentals are also available by calling the same number.
A few facts...
Breastfeeding has many benefits for both you and your baby. It's a special way for you to feel close to each other. Best of all, though, your breastmilk gives your baby everything they need to thrive for the first six months of their life.
Breastfeeding also helps your baby to fight infections in the first few months of their life. Breastmilk has long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are essential for helping your baby's brain develop.
Breastfeeding reduces your risk later in life of pre-menopausal breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and bone fractures from osteoporosis.
